Representative Adriano Espaillat Cosponsors Reauthorization of The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Statement

Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement following House passage of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a landmark bill that ushered in transformative progress to protect all Americans from violence and abuse, and continues to provide essential support to victims, survivors and communities to ensure they have the legal tools and resources necessary to seek justice and receive care.

"Domestic and sexual violence incidents are often underreported, and the Violence Against Women Act ("VAWA") is landmark legislation critical in our efforts to improve the law to better help and serve survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). "H.R. 1585, the VAWA Reauthorization Act of 2019 improves services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault. Because of VAWA, reporting among survivors has increased and criminal justice responses to gender-based violence have improved, and domestic violence survivors are able to obtain protective orders, including at designated courthouses, and stand up against their abusers. I am also pleased this reauthorization included important language that I strongly supported to provide critical protections for domestic violence victims living in HUD-assisted housing. That language will ensure victims are not unnecessarily forced to continue living with their abuser just because they are not the holder of the voucher.

"I am also pleased this reauthorization included important language that I strongly supported to provide critical protections for domestic violence victims who live in Section 8 housing. That language will ensure victims are not unnecessarily forced to continue living with their abuser just because they are not the holder of the voucher.

"VAWA must be restored and our work must continue to ensure all women and survivors of domestic abuse feel safe, their voices are heard, and their lives are protected. I am proud to stand with my Democratic colleagues as a co-sponsor of the VAWA Reauthorization Act of 2019 to ensure protections for those who need it the most."

Additionally, Rep. Espaillat will be introducing legislation, the Gladys Ricart Gun Offender Registry Act to establish a nationwide, public registry of criminals convicted of a felony crime of domestic violence involving a firearm, in honor of Washington Heights bride-to-be Gladys Ricart, a victim of domestic violence who lost her life tragically on her wedding day on September 26, 1999.

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